The US Administration’s intention to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to transfer the United States’ Embassy to the Holy city, “would have a negative impact on prospects for achieving a just, comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict”.
The warning came in a message that King Mohammed VI has addressed on Tuesday to President Donald Trump after reports emerged about his intention to transfer the US Embassy to the holy city.
“The Middle East region is in the grip of several serious crises, in addition to a series of tensions and many perils. It is therefore necessary to avoid taking any measure which could fuel the feelings of injustice and frustration that extremism and terrorism feed on, undermining the fragile stability in the region or frustrating hopes for meaningful negotiations to achieve the vision of the international community concerning a two-State solution,” said the Monarch.
King Mohammed VI, the Chairman of Al Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which comprises 57 countries representing over one billion citizens, voiced his “deep concern and that of Arab and Muslim countries” over Trump’s plan.
With its unique religious character, historical identity and special political symbolism, the city of Jerusalem “should remain a land as well as a symbol of coexistence and tolerance among all people”, said the royal message, insisting that“as is clearly indicated in the relevant international resolutions, especially those of the Security Council, Jerusalem is at the heart of final status issues. For this reason, its legal status needs to be preserved and nothing should be undertaken that might affect its current political status”.
“Morocco, which has invariably worked for the achievement of a just, comprehensive peace in the region, in accordance with the principles of legality and with the relevant international resolutions, firmly believes in your esteemed Administration’s far-sightedness as well as in your personal commitment to peace and stability in the region, and your resolve to facilitate the revival of the peace process and avoid any measure which might impede it or ruin it altogether”, said the royal message.
In a phone call Tuesday with President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, King Mohammed VI reiterated “Morocco’s strong and unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people in defending their just cause and legitimate rights, mainly concerning the status of Al Quds Asharif”.
The King “voiced his flat refusal of any action that could undermine the multi-religious aspect of the holy city or alter its legal and political status,” announced the Royal Office in a statement.
The Palestinian president, on his part, hailed the King’s role and action, and deplored the fact that the American administration’s agenda includes such “inappropriate initiative”. He expressed the deep concern of the Palestinian authority over the serious consequences of this matter on the peace process in the Middle East and the region’s security and stability, the statement noted.
Voices in Palestine, the Arab and Muslim World and in Europe have expressed warnings of a new Palestinian uprising, saying such a decision would bury all peace efforts in the Middle East.